Politics
Rep. Maxwell Frost Secures Nearly $3 Million in Federal Funding to Improve Traffic Safety and Reduce Fatalities in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – U.S. Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced today a federal grant of nearly $3 million to Central Florida, awarded by the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safer Streets and Roads for All grant program. The funding is targeted toward significantly reducing traffic fatalities and enhancing safety for all road users in Orlando.
The grant includes over $2.1 million for MetroPlan Orlando to advance its vision of achieving zero traffic deaths and serious injuries in the region. This funding will support the development and implementation of new transportation safety plans designed to safeguard pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. An additional $850,000 has been allocated to Orange County, helping local authorities identify and address safety concerns that contribute to severe crashes.
According to Smart Growth America, Florida ranks as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, with Orlando standing at 18th among the top 20 deadliest cities for pedestrian safety.
“This nearly $3 million in federal funding to Central Florida will serve as a major investment towards our future as a more walkable, safer city for all,” said Rep. Frost. “Whether you’re driving, walking, biking, scooting, or taking the bus – our roads need to keep you safe and work for you, not against you.” Frost emphasized that the funding will be a transformative step in reducing crash fatalities and creating a safer, more accessible transportation network in the region.
With Central Florida’s rapid growth, improving road safety has become critical for the community. The new federal funding aims to address these issues head-on, giving Orlando the resources needed to reduce accidents and make substantial strides toward safer streets.
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J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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